Warbird Information Exchange

I'd like some advice about something. Think about it first, though.

I see that there will be some Malmedy survivors at the MAAM WWII weekend, next year. I took a picture of the memorial at Malmedy that I'd like to ask them to sign. Do you think that would be OK? Might it be considered disrespectful?

Mudge the respectful

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Land of the free because of the brave

I would not ask the survivors to sign anything. That's me though.


TM

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"Welcome back Mr. Lasky."

Just my opinion mind you but I've been associated with veteran's groups and associations most of my adult life.
In this case I would suggest to you that it might inded be inappropriate to ask for an autograph from a survivor of a mass killing such as Malmedy.
Vets who live through something as horrible as was that experience have a STRONG tendency NOT to think of themselves as being special in any way. Most I have known have a strong tendency to place VERY heavy emphasis on those who didn't make it back.
By asking them for an autograph you are even without realizing it, placing emphasis on them as the focus of the event instead of their friends and fellow soldiers.
As I said, just my opinion, but were it me, I would opt not to ask for any autographs in this case.
Dudley Henriques

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Dudley Henriques
International Fighter Pilots Fellowship

Mudge,
Perhaps you could put together original, or repop unit patches from the men who will be there, Have them sign a 3x5 or 5x7 with the patch and mount all of that around the photo for your own display. That way your not causing any bad memories during the signing.

Just an Idea

Drew the creative

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Andrew King
Air Museum Director with no Museum to Direct
Open to Suggestions

The fact that you're asking for advice is the first indication. Glad that you celebrate our history Mudge, but there are some things better left undone.

Ken

Mudge, I'm sure you're as respectful and thoughtful in person as you are at WIX. So take your picture up to one of them, explain yourself, and ask. You'll find out soon enough if he (they) want to sign. No harm done if they don't because you've shown respect. If they do, then their memory lives on in a very special way. I say go for it.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but Malmedy was the mass murder of POWs by the SS during the Battle of the Bulge?

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"According to the map, we've only gone 4 inches."

Exactly right.



This is the memorial. It's about 200 yds. from the actual site of the massacre.

Mudge

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Land of the free because of the brave

hi mudge, it's not disrespectful, your honoring their comrades sacrifice, however i certainly wouldn't ask my brother's mother in law for her autograph because she was a ww 2 holocaust survivor of the bergen - belsen death camp. she still has the tattoo on her wrist & naturally the horrible memories. i hope my reply gives you a little perspective.

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

Thanks for the help. I'm getting some really good insights into the pros and cons. I'm leaning a bit toward "pro", but hope to get some more input to convince me one way or the other.

Mudge the undecided

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Land of the free because of the brave

I think I'd hold off on autographs. A handshake and a 'thank you' to them might make a lot more sense. Might want to gauge the crowd too. While your intentions are genuine, it might open the doors for others and the next thing you know the autograph's are on e-bay.

The honor of meeting them might need to be enough

I haven't been to the MAAM show but have friends that have. It's my understanding the vets are there in part to sign autographs. They have a place setup for this and some or all charge a modest fee for the autograph or sell photos they sign for free.

I personally got autographs of several Malmedy survivors (including some listed on MAAM's site) at a gun show this year. Again, they were there to sign autographs. They each had photos for sale $5-10 and were happily signing away. I see no problem in asking them to sign your photo. In lieu of not buying the photos they have for sell you may be required to pay the price of the photos which I'm sure you won't mind doing.

That said, I'm pretty sure what is on MAAM's site is for who was at the last WWII Weekend. The dates listed are for last June. With all vets in their 90s now it is difficult to plan this far in advance with the health issues involved. Note is says information for next year's show "To be announced."

While in Hawaii last December 6th we were lucky enough to have several Pearl Harbor survivors on the tour bus to see the Arizona with us. We purchased a map that showed where all the ships were on Dec.7th 1941 and asked if these gentlemen would sign where they were stationed on Dec 7th. Every one did so without any hesitation. One gentleman made it very clear that he was there after Dec.7th helping with the cleanup, which was ok with us. I guess the thought is, if you don't ask you won't know if they will? If they say no, thank them and be on your way.

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Be safe and watch your six!!!!!!

"Malmedy was the mass murder of POWs by the SS during the Battle of the Bulge?"
According to the folks that won the war. there are 2 sides to every story, though.

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All I did was press this red button here...

What does the second side of Auschwitz look like?

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